Application of the IASC Cluster Approach in the South Asia Earthquake
Objectives: In the midst of active implementation of the response to the South Asia earthquake, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) real-time evaluation of the Cluster Approach offers a unique opportunity to derive immediate lessons, review overall effectiveness, and propose improvements for ongoing and future implementation of one of the most important reforms of the humanitarian system in the past thirty years.
Focus: Interviews and surveys were used to elicit information about the functioning and management of the cluster model related to: Application and understanding of the approach Needs analysis and priority setting Accountability and predictability Gaps in the response Standards and benchmarking Involvement of stakeholders Coordination, leadership, and inter-cluster contact Resource mobilization Capacity development Cross-cutting issues such as gender, human rights, environment and participation Transition to recovery and rehabilitation